Opinion & Community

Opinion & Community

TEMECULA, Calif. — (June 19, 2017) – Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif., the largest resort/casino in Calif., was the only Calif. casino nominated to the list of the 10 best casinos in the country, representing Calif. as a whole. By Monday, July 17, four thousand Pechanga team members hope they will continue working for the #1 casino in the nation. Defending its title, Pechanga was voted the Best U.S. Casino in the 2015 USA Today 10Best poll. Since then, Pechanga has broken ground on a $285 million expansion set to be completed by the end of 2017, making the property the largest on the west coast and a massive employer in southern California, hiring nearly one thousand additional team members.

“We are really excited about this poll because it means for the second time, the experts who nominated us as well as our guests, are passionate enough about Pechanga to take a few moments and vote for us,” said General Manager Lee Torres. “Another #1 win would also greatly help brand our region as a premier destination spot with a lot to offer visitors.”

Through initial voting, Pechanga’s rank is No. 2. The tribal-owned casino is running against internationally known, five-star properties across the U.S.

“Visit Temecula Valley is excited to help spread the word to vote for Pechanga Resort & Casino as USA Today’s 10Best Reader’s Choice for Best U.S. Casino,” said Kimberly Adams, Visit Temecula Valley C.E.O./President. “Pechanga is a favorite attraction within our destination that receives millions of visitors each year. This title is well deserved and winning would help market Temecula Valley as a premier destination.”

Pechanga is currently joined on the list of 20 resort/casinos by properties in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, and the south. Those interested can vote for Pechanga Resort & Casino by clicking HERE.

Casino properties were chosen for the poll by Lisa Robertson-Dziedzic, Editorial Director for Casino Player and Strictly Slots magazine, and by Tony Harrell, a certified destination expert for Las Vegas, New Orleans and Canada.

A business visa attorney can let you know all types of visas that you might be able to apply for under U.S. Immigration law. Depending on your situation, the type of visa will differ. For example, a business visa attorney might tell you about the H-1B. For example, the H-1B is for people who have college degrees. The business visa attorney will explain that the H-1B is referred to as the specialty occupation visa. The job itself must reflect the reality of the position requiring the use of the college degree. The business visa attorney would explain that you could not be a cashier with an electrical engineering degree and still expect to get the H-1B. There are only 65,000 H-1B Visas per year. The business visa attorney may elaborate that those are usually gone in the first week that the door opens in which to apply for the H-1B (which is April 3.) It is time to apply right now, so don’t wait.

However, there are many type of business visas that do not require a college degree. For example, there is the O-1 Visa. The business visa attorney explains that the O-1 is for people who are extraordinary in whatever it is that they do. There are several requirements for the O-1 as would be elaborated by the business visa attorney. You must be able to establish that you have extraordinary ability in your field. Essentially, the O-1A visa is for people who are recognized as being at the very top of their field and who are coming to the United States to continue work in that field. To establish eligibility for an O-1A visa you must either have received a major, internationally recognized award, similar to a Nobel Prize, or submit evidence that affirmatively answers at least 3 of the 8 categories as put forth and explained by the business visa attorney. Those areas are as follows: Have you received a lesser nationally or internationally recognized prize or award for excellence in the field of endeavor? Are you a member of any associations which require outstanding achievements of their members as judged by recognized national or international experts?

Is there published material in professional or major trade publications or major media about you which relates to your work in the field? Other questions/categories as explained by a business visa attorney are as follows: Have you participated on a panel or individually as a judge of the work of others in the same or in an allied field of specialization? Have you made original scientific, scholarly or business-related contributions of major significance? Have you authored scholarly articles in professional journals or other major media? Have you been employed in a critical or essential capacity for organizations and establishments that have a distinguished reputation? Have you or will you command a high salary or other remuneration for your services?

Yet other types of business visas involve investments. For example, there are the E-2 and the L-1. These are visas for persons who want to either start their own business in the U.S., or in the alternative, to open up a branch office in the U.S. Thus, the business visa attorney will explain that the E-2 will require about $100,000 investment, but you can run your own business and come to the United States to make your dream come true. The L-1 requires much less investment, but would require that you have very good records for the company you are running in your home country. The typical business visa attorney will know that many countries do not keep good records and are running businesses without invoices and contracts and tax records. These types of businesses are not very good businesses for the L-1. Another type of related investment visa is the E-1 and the E-1 deals with trading with your home country. Therefore, if the business does at least 50% of its work trading with the home country, then the E-1 might be the best way to proceed forward.

The B1 can be used if you want to come into the United States to negotiate contracts for your company in your home country, or if you have to do temporary training or attend conferences. These are very short duration visas and can be quickly issued.

Another type of business visa if your from Canada or Mexico is the TN Visa. The TN is somewhat related to the H-1B, except there are no limitations on the amount of TN’s and some TN’s do not require a college degree. In any event, if you want to get a business visa, be sure that you find an experienced business visa attorney.

Santa Clara County, CA -- Supervisor Cindy Chavez released the following statement on the Trump Administration?s proposed budget:

"It's alarming and irresponsible that President Trump wants to slash aid to women and children," said Chavez. "We're talking major cuts to women, infants and children nutrition (WIC) assistance, after-school and summer programs for low-income students, and federal work-study aid to college students. These programs have given thousands of Santa Clara County residents the foundation to build productive lives and careers that have contributed substantially to the economy and success of Silicon Valley."

Background:

* Approximately 23% of families in Santa Clara County earn less than $50,000 and therefore their children qualify for reduced or free lunch

* In 2015 almost 85,000 children in our county were eligible for subsidized meals

Also:* In 2011 22,056 women, infant and children (WIC) were served per month in Santa Clara County

* California has the highest WIC coverage rate in the nation. California?s average monthly WIC enrollment was nearly 1.4 million women, infants, and children in the 2014 federal fiscal year. Nearly 80% of recipients are children.

The University of the Philippines Alumni Association in America (UPAAA), a duly registered 501 (C)(3) non-profit organization of graduates from the highest institution of learning in the Philippines, will hold its 19th Grand Reunion and Convention on October 26-28, 2017, at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel, Iselin, New Jersey, with the theme, “Renew, Reflect, Rejoice”.UPAAA President, Nelsie Tabudlong Parrado, a successful financial advisor and community leader in New York and New Jersey, has mobilized members of her Executive Board to prepare a three-day program that will renew and strengthen the alumni’s relationship with their Alma Mater. This will be a very good opportunity to meet old friends, classmates and acquaintances, share stories, and reminisce UP experiences.Dr. Danilo Concepcion, newly elected President of the University of the Philippines System, will deliver the Keynote Address. Dr. Concepcion had an interesting career path. He graduated summa cum laude with a degree of Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Engineering from the De La Salle University-Araneta in 1979, obtained Bachelor of Laws from UP Diliman in 1983 and topped the bar that year. He finished Master of Laws as a Chevening scholar at the University of London, Queen Mary College in 1986. He previously served as president of De La Salle University-Araneta (2002 to 2002), head of the UP Law Center (2002 to 2006), and associate commissioner of the Securities and Exchange Commission (1996 to 2000).He was the Dean of the UP College of Law prior to his election as UP President.Working with passion and commitment to ensure the success of the event are the following Committee Chairs: Dr, Mary Anne Akers and Nelsie Parrado (Program Committee) Zenaida Mendoza Sarmiento (Registration Committee); Daisy M. Rodriguez, (Fellowship Night); Ruby Agnir (Gala Night); Dr. Francis Sy (Awards); Joe Santos (Logistics and Communications); Federico I. Agnir (COMELEC Chair); Dina Barros Ellorin (Souvenir Program); Cristy Colmenar (Finance Committee); and Leonarda Zafra Santos (Jubilarian Committee), Raquel “Kelly” Lalo-Sabas (Social Media) and Luz Micabalo (Historian).The host chapter, the UP Alumni Association of New Jersey, led by its president, Juan C. Ferrer, have thrown its full support to make this biennial event meaningful and fun for all the guests and participants.The Sponsorship Committee co-chaired by UPAAA Nelsie T. Parrado and Dr. Aurora S. Cudal-Rivera have sent out sponsorship solicitation letters to national and regional business and funding organizations. The Philippine Airlines (PAL) was the first to respond with a round trip ticket from New York to the Philippines and back, to be raffled off during the Fellowship Night.For more information about the 19th UPAAA Alumni Grand Reunion and Convention login to their website, www.upaaainamerica.com or e-mail: Nelsie Parrado at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Zenaida M. Sarmiento at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.; Cristy Colmenar at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and Nardz Santos at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Question: I’m so afraid to open my door now. I’ve heard ICE agents are doing round-ups and just deporting people left and right. What can I do?

Answer: All people living in the United States, including undocumented immigrants, have certain US Constitutional rights. If you are undocumented and immigration (ICE) agents knock on your door, know that you have the following rights:• You do not have to open the door. You do not have to open the door or let the officers into your home unless they have a valid search warrant signed by a judge.o An ICE deportation warrant is not the same as a search warrant. If this is the only document they have, they cannot legally come inside unless you verbally agree to let them in.o If the officers say they have a search warrant signed by a judge, ask them to slide it under the door or hold it up to a window so you can see it.o If the warrant does not have your correct name and address on it and is not signed by a judge you do not have to open the door or let them inside.o If at any point you decide to speak with the officers, you do not need to open the door to do so. You can speak to them through the door or step outside and close the door.• You have the right to remain silent. You do not need to speak to the immigration officers or answer any questions.o If you are asked where you were born or how you entered the United States, you may refuse to answer or remain silent.o If you choose to remain silent, say so out loud.

o You may show a know-your-rights card to the officer that explains that you will remain silent and wish to speak to a lawyer.o You may refuse to show identity documents that say what country you are from.o Do not show any false documents and do not lie.• You have the right to speak to a lawyer. If you are detained or taken into custody, you have the right to immediately contact a lawyer.o Even if you do not have a lawyer, you may tell the immigration officers that you want to speak to one.o If you have a lawyer, you have the right to talk to them. If you have a signed Form G-28, which shows you have a lawyer, give it to an officer.o If you do not have a lawyer, ask an immigration officer for a list of pro bono lawyers.o You also have the right to contact your consulate. The consulate may be able to assist you in locating a lawyer.o You can refuse to sign any/all paperwork until you have had the opportunity to speak to a lawyer.o If you choose to sign something without speaking to a lawyer, be sure you understand exactly what the document says and means before you sign it.

In fact, your immigration attorney should give you a ‘know your rights card’ which you can show the officer.

Brian D. Lerner is a certified specialist in Immigration and Nationality Law as approved by the California Bar, Board of Legal Specialization. He has been a certified specialist for over 15 years and has been practicing law for over 25 years. The Law Offices of Brian D. Lerner will give you a free consultation and has offices in Long Beach and Carson, California and Quezon City, Philippines. You can e-mail Brian Lerner directly at blerner@californiaimmigrati on.us or make an appointment by calling 562-495-0554 or self-scheduling an appointment at blerner.checkappointments.c om. Either way, he will try to help you and your family.

LOS ANGELES, CA. – March 14, 2017 – Registration is now open for the Asian American Advertising Federation’s (3AF) Asian Marketing Summit, the largest national conference focusing on the importance of Asian American advertising, marketing and the Asian consumer. The 3AF Summit will be held in Los Angeles, California on June 1 and 2.The 3AF Summit is a unique forum for industry leaders, content creators, mediacompanies, corporate marketers and other partners to converge in an in-depthdiscussion of the Asian consumer opportunity. This year, industry experts will discussthe multiple dimensions of Asian American consumers from civic participation andentrepreneurship to building a successful case for diversity and inclusion and variousapproaches and channels to reaching this consumer. Speakers include executives from

basics. The 3AF Boot Camp will be held on May 31 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and requires separate registration.3AF President, Jay Kim, said, “Asian American is the fastest growing segment, yielding not only economic but also political power. At the same time, due to rising Asian economic powers and technology advances, lessons in Asian American marketing have implications in global marketing. Our Summit not only brings together experts in Asian marketing in the U.S., but also from Asia to share and create new ideas."Sponsors of the 3AF 2017 Asian Marketing Summit include Nielsen, Comcast, CMPG, Saavn, Inquirer.net and others. To register for the 3AF Summit, visit the 3AF’s event website at: https://www.picatic.com/3AFSummit2017The Asian American Advertising Federation (3AF) is a national trade organization comprised of Asian American advertising agencies, Asian market advertisers, Asian media companies and other industry specialists. Its mission is to grow the Asian American advertising and marketing industry, raise public awareness of the importance of the Asian American community and further professionalism in the industry. The 3AF’s Asian Marketing Summit is held annually. More information about the 3AF is available at www.3af.org.

It would seem that a number of our elected officials have no clear understanding of the roles they have to play under a democratic government.Foremost of these are US President Donald Trump and Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, as well as US House Speaker Paul Ryan and Philippine Speaker of the House Pantaleon Alvarez.Messrs. Trump and Duterte both have issues with judges who disagree with their actions. For the American leader, his ill-fated Executive Order banning nationals from seven predominantly Islamic countries from traveling to the US was quickly shot down by federal judges last month. But he is so hell-bent on his anti-Muslim campaign that he has just released another EO that continues to limit nationals from six of the original seven countries from entering the US.In the Philippines, meanwhile, Mr. Duterte has just said that local government officials such as mayors should not be subject to audit by the Commission on Audit, whose job is to make sure that public funds are spent legally. Speaking in the vernacular this week, Mr. Duterte said something to the effect that the men and women of the CA should just take over as mayors since they seem to know better.

It has been pointed out time and again that Mr. Trump’s lack of experience in governance is one of his biggest weaknesses. He simply does not understand that his heading the executive department does not mean he also heads the legislative and judicial branches of government, or that they are subordinate to him. He feels he is more empowered because he was elected, while everyone else in the two other branches of government are either appointed or promoted.As for Mr. Duterte, he recently admitted – an apologized for – continuing to act like a city mayor, which he was for the longest time. As president of the Republic of the Philippines, he wields tremendous power and has appeared swamped by the responsibilities of office.As SpiderMan was reminded by his Uncle Ben, “with great power comes great responsibility.”As President, Duterte still does not comprehend his great responsibility to the Filipino people. Consider that some of his appointees like Mocha Uson (essentially a former bold starlet) and Cesar Montano (a faded matinee star) have been committing acts that show their failure to follow the rules at the local board of censors and a marketing arm of the Tourism department, respectively.It will get worse in the near future as Mr. Duterte has promised to give a job to publicity hound Sandra Cam (a self-styled whistleblower), who is already acting like a big shot by claiming to be close to the president.

San Francisco-Team Cancer Sucks and San Francisco Hep B Free are partnering for the 3rd Annual AJ Strong Memorial Run, a 6.5k run/walk to honor AJ Jabonero, who passed away from hepatitis B induced liver cancer. This run serves as a remembrance of AJ and to raise awareness for the leading cause of liver cancer in the world, hepatitis B.

AJ Jabonero, a triathlete and Iron Man, of otherwise perfect health, who didn't drink, smoke, or eat unhealthy, was diagnosed at the age of 30, in December 2014, with stage 4 liver cancer from chronic hepatitis B infection. AJ knew he was a carrier, having suffered an episode of jaundice at the age of three; however, after years of being symptom-free and not regularly monitoring his viral load, AJ passed away, two and a half months after his diagnosis, on March 5th, 2015. Unfortunately, AJ was not the only member of the family to have suffered from chronic hepatitis B infection. AJ's aunt, father, mother, and sister were all carriers of the hepatitis B virus, his father having passed away from hepatitis B induced liver cancer in November 2005.

The 3rd Annual AJ Strong Memorial Run serves not only to remember Iron Man AJ Jabonero, but also to raise awareness for hepatitis B, where upwards of 80% of all liver cancer cases around the world are directly associated with it. As many as 1 in 12 Asian and Pacific Islanders are chronically infected with the virus, with 2 out of 3 not knowing they have it, and 1 in 4 developing liver cancer or liver disease from it.Following the run there will be a health fair, food, and music, including free hepatitis B screenings provided by San Francisco Hep B Free.

Santa Clara County, CA—Supervisor Cindy Chavez, Sheriff Laurie Smith, Public Defender Molly O’Neal, Clerk of the Board Megan Doyle, Deputy County Executive Sylvia Gallegos, Chief Probation Officer Laura Garnette, Finance Agency Director Emily Harrison and other female county leaders announced at a press conference on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, County support for an A Day Without A Woman action.

“Every day throughout the County and the world, women play a vital social, economic and political role in society. Yet, we continue to face the wage gap, vulnerability to discrimination and other gender and economic injustices,” said Supervisor Cindy Chavez. “That is why Santa Clara County supports A Day Without A Woman and continues to work towards pay equity and gender parity.”

Wednesday, March 8 is International Women’s Day. In solidarity with campaigns happening across the globe, the national Women’s March on Washington organizers have called on women and allies to participate in a one-day demonstration of economic solidarity, A Day Without A Woman.

Women play an indispensable role in the daily functions of life throughout society, through seen and unseen, paid and unpaid labor. Despite this, women and gender nonconforming people continue to face many economic and gender injustices, such as the wage gap, vulnerability to discrimination, sexual harassment and job insecurity. The goal of the A Day Without A Woman action is to call attention to these issues, while also highlighting the economic power and significance that women have in the US and global economies.

Suggested actions from the Women’s March website:

Anyone, anywhere can join by making March 8 A Day Without A Woman, in one or all of the following ways:· Women take the day off, from paid and unpaid labor.· Avoid shopping for one day (with exceptions for small, women- and minority-owned businesses).· Wear RED in solidarity with A Day Without A Woman.· Male allies: lean into care giving on March 8 and use the day to call out decision-makers at the workplace and in the government to extend equal pay and adequate paid family leave for women.For more information about the national call to action, please visit the Women’s March website:https://www.womensmarch.com/womensday/.

Filipino boxer Gerald Rustia won in the +201 lbs. weight division on Feb. 11 at the Georgia Duke Sports Center in Vacaville, CA.

The 27 year-old Hayward native, who has been boxing for nearly 9 years, was able to outpoint and defeat Jose Duran from San Jose PAL in the finals match.

"I felt really good about winning," said Rustia, who trains at The Kennel Boxing Gym in San Leandro. "This is my first time fighting in the +201 lbs. division and this is my first tournament. To come out winning the +201 lbs. division and qualifying for state is huge on any level."